Ocean Knowledge 2030 Programme Manager

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The Marine Institute seeks a contractor to manage the Ocean Knowledge 2030 Programme, which involves coordinating various educational and training initiatives related to marine science and technology. The contractor will oversee the implementation of the programme, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and compliance with relevant regulations.

Key activities include:

• Programme Management: Develop and execute project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders, including educational institutions, industry partners, and government agencies.
• Reporting: Prepare and submit regular progress reports to the Marine Institute, detailing milestones, challenges, and outcomes.
• Training Development: Design and deliver training modules and workshops tailored to various audiences, including students, educators, and industry professionals.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of training initiatives and overall programme impact.
• Resource Management: Manage programme resources, including personnel, materials, and financial assets, ensuring optimal allocation and utilization.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to all relevant legal, regulatory, and policy requirements throughout the programme's duration.

The contractor will be responsible for managing a team of key personnel, ensuring their availability and expertise align with the programme's needs.

3. Background & buyer context

The procurement of the Ocean Knowledge 2030 Programme Manager is part of the Marine Institute's strategic initiative to enhance marine education and training in Ireland. This initiative aligns with national policies aimed at fostering innovation and sustainability in marine sectors. The Marine Institute has a history of managing similar programmes and aims to build on previous successes to further develop marine knowledge and skills. The incumbent contractor is not specified in the tender documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following eligibility and selection criteria:

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €75,000 for each of the last two years.
• Insurance:
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million
• Public Liability: €2.6 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1.5 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The evaluation will follow the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) principle, focusing on a balance between price and quality.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders must submit the following documents:

• Method statement / response document: Use the provided template, adhering to any specified page limits.
• CVs: Include CVs for key personnel, with a maximum of two pages per CV.
• Pricing schedule: Complete the pricing schedule using the designated template.
• Case studies: Provide two case studies demonstrating relevant experience, with values ranging from €50,000 to €150,000.
• Declarations: Include ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, and Conflict of Interest declarations.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: All submissions must be made via eTenders, following any specific format rules outlined in the tender documents.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

Key contract terms include:

• Term: The contract will commence on 1st January 2025 and expire on 31st December 2027, with no specified extension structure.
• Payment terms: Payments will be made upon receipt of valid invoices, subject to compliance with contract provisions.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: The contract can be terminated by either party with three months' written notice.
• IP ownership: All intellectual property rights in materials produced under the contract will vest in the Marine Institute.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified for this tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

Potential risks and concerns include:

• The turnover requirement of €75,000 may limit participation from smaller firms, potentially favouring incumbents.
• The absence of specified past experience or personnel requirements may lead to ambiguity in bidder qualifications.
• The contract's reliance on the contractor's ability to manage stakeholder engagement may pose risks if the contractor lacks established relationships within the marine sector.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in project management, particularly in the education and training sectors. Viable bidders should have:

• A proven track record in managing similar programmes or projects.
• The capability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including educational institutions and industry partners.
• The necessary insurance coverage as specified.

Consortium or subcontracting arrangements are not explicitly mentioned, suggesting that bidders should be prepared to manage the contract independently. The indicative bid preparation effort is estimated at 10-15 days, considering the need for detailed documentation and compliance with submission requirements. The presence of a turnover threshold may indicate a competitive environment, particularly if incumbents have established relationships with the Marine Institute.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: ITT24-043 OK2030 PM Draft Services Contract.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email: Not specified
• Important attachments: Appendix 3 — Tenderer's Statement, Appendix 6 — Confidentiality Agreement, Schedule D — Service Levels and Performance Indicators.